Written Answers Wednesday 13 June 2007

Scottish Executive

Bridges

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult local people adjacent to the Forth Road Bridge on its intention to remove tolls from the crossing.

Stewart Stevenson: The Parliament agreed on 31 May 2007 that the tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges should be removed. We welcome the support of the Parliament for this, and the widespread support expressed by local people and businesses, including the Fife Federation of Small Businesses. In doing so, we are taking forward a key pre-election commitment.

  We will be discussing the detail of the changes with the bridges and other authorities, but have no plans for further public consultation on this proposal.

Bridges

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be put in place to ensure appropriate filtering onto the Forth Road Bridge if tolls are removed.

Stewart Stevenson: Detailed planning work will be undertaken by Scottish Executive officials; officials from the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA), and officials from the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) to examine what measures might be required.

  Any ground works would need to be carried out through FETA and CEC as the appropriate roads authorities.

Bridges

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to redeploy Forth Estuary Transport Authority employees who find their posts redundant following the removal of tolls from the Forth Road Bridge.

Stewart Stevenson: We are very aware of the potential impacts of removing the tolls on the staff who work on the bridge, and will be discussing any impacts with the bridge authority as a matter of priority.

  Staff at the Forth Road Bridge are employed by the Forth Estuary Transport Authority. Issues relating to the possible redeployment of staff are a matter for the authority in the first instance.

Central Heating Programme

Mr Duncan McNeil (Greenock and Inverclyde) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates were made of the number of homeowners eligible for its central heating programme (a) in its original form and (b) since its subsequent extension in 2004 and how many homeowners have taken advantage of the scheme to date.

Stewart Maxwell: The 1996 Scottish House Condition Survey was the most recent evidence available prior to the introduction of the central heating programme (CHP) in 2001. It showed that there were 32,000 owner-occupier households over 60 years of age without any form of central heating in their homes.

  The 2002 survey, completed prior to the extension of the CHP in 2004, showed that 14,000 over 80s households had either partial or inefficient central heating.

  The number of private sector households that have actually taken advantage of the scheme to date is, according to the number of installations between September 2001 and end April 2007, 58,000. During the lifetime of the scheme the number of Scottish households has grown and the age distribution has changed. This figure also includes a significant number of instances where the programme has replaced defective central heating systems.

Central Heating Programme

Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many boiler manufacturers are providing equipment to its central heating programme managed by Scottish Gas.

Stewart Maxwell: I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:

  Scottish Gas use two boiler manufacturers for gas installations, one for oil and one manufacturer for electric systems.

Central Heating Programme

Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what review mechanisms are in place to ensure a fair distribution of contracts across suppliers of equipment, including boilers, to its central heating programme.

Stewart Maxwell: I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:

  Contracts are negotiated at a national level by the managing agent’s procurement team. This is normally done on an annual basis and was negotiated at the beginning of the contract for October 2006.

Community Safety

Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive how its work on community safety will address the distinct needs of members of minority groups in society, such as disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and minority ethnic groups.

Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish Government is committed to equality and to ensuring that the specific needs of particular communities are addressed.

  In preparing a community safety strategy, community safety partnerships are encouraged to undertake a community safety audit and to consult the community, including members of equality groups, to enable them to be actively involved in setting priorities. Public bodies involved in community safety partnerships are also subject to duties to promote gender, disability and race equality.

  We will continue to encourage the involvement of all of our citizens in making Scotland a safer and stronger place.

Community Wardens

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to provide funding for community warden schemes in Dumfries and Galloway.

Fergus Ewing: Local authority funding to promote community safety and tackle antisocial behaviour, including that for Dumfries and Galloway, is not ring-fenced for community wardens or other services but is for delivery against specific outcomes in local outcome agreements.

  The current four-year funding cycle comes to an end at 31 March 2008. Work is underway to develop a new reporting framework for community safety and antisocial behaviour, with funding levels to be determined following the forthcoming spending review.

Debt

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to deal with over-indebtedness.

Stewart Maxwell: We will support the money advice sector to help those with problem debt. We will increase individuals’ ability to use financial products and services through financial education, both in and out of school. We will support third sector lenders (credit unions, and community development finance institutions) who provide affordable credit.

  However, our ability to assist in this area is limited due to powers over several important areas that can effect levels of debt such as regulation of consumer credit and financial services and the tax and benefit systems.

Debt

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will develop financial education in preventing debt.

Stewart Maxwell: We will consider the need for further development of financial education in the 2007 review of the Financial Inclusion Action Plan .

  The Curriculum for Excellence acknowledges the contribution financial education makes to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.

  The 11 local authorities receiving the Financial Inclusion Fund are implementing a range of financial education activities. Following positive evaluation, the pilot education projects with Citizens Advice Scotland and the Greater Easterhouse Money Advice have received continuation funding. The lessons learned and best practice developed by Financial Inclusion Initiative Fife will be used to inform the future direction and delivery of services in Fife. We continue working with the Financial Services Authority to bring financial education into the workplace.

Disclosure Scotland

Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many enhanced disclosure certificates included non-conviction information in each year since 1999, also broken down by local authority area.

Kenny MacAskill: Figures are only available from 29 April 2002, the date on which Disclosure Scotland began processing enhanced disclosure certificates. It is not possible to break the figures down by local authority area.

  

Year
Total Number of Enhanced Disclosures
Number of Enhanced DisclosuresContaining 
Non-Conviction Information
% of Enhanced Disclosures Containing Non-Conviction Information


2002-03
111,969
843
0.75%


2003-04
172,734
1,418
0.82%


2004-05
252,061
1,802
0.71%


2005-06
309,917
1,616
0.52%


2006-07
329,718
1,610
0.49%


Totals
1,176,399
7,289
0.62%

Domestic Violence

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce continuation of the Violence Against Women Fund; whether it is proposing any steps to assist local authorities to match any funds that it makes available, and whether any delay in announcing funding has had an impact on any projects run by voluntary organisations across Scotland.

Stewart Maxwell: All projects have funding until March 2008. All projects funded under the Violence Against Women fund were required to consider the issue of on-going funding in their applications, in the event that central funding was not continued after March 2008.

  Until the current spending review is complete the Scottish Government will not be in a position to make any announcements about funding, including the possible extension of the Violence Against Women Fund. However, we will make a decision about the future of the fund as soon as possible after the spending review outcomes are known to avoid any unnecessary adverse impact on projects.

  Match funding was not a requirement of the Violence Against Women Fund but it is recognised as an indication of partnership support at a local level and many local authorities and other local statutory bodies do provide match funding for projects.

Drug and Alcohol Misuse

Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any reform of the remit and responsibilities of local alcohol and drug action teams.

Fergus Ewing: The recent stock-take exercise looked at the performance of alcohol and drug action teams and their effectiveness to deliver ministerial priorities in relation to drugs and alcohol. I hope to publish the report shortly to help inform the development of our long-term approach to drugs and alcohol.

Education

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many local pupils from the Rosneath Peninsula have missed examinations this summer due to blockades caused by the Faslane 365 protests at HM Naval Base Clyde.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are being made to ensure that the education of young people is not disrupted as a result of the Faslane 365 protests at HM Naval Base Clyde.

Maureen Watt: Argyll and Bute education authority is responsible for arrangements to transport pupils to school and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is responsible for the setting of examinations. I understand that, for the duration of the exams, the authority put in place special school transport arrangements to bypass the protests. These arrangements have now been rescinded, and no problems have been reported to the education authority. The SQA has also confirmed that no special circumstances have arisen with examinations in the area.

Emergency Services

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the decision to retain full accident and emergency services at Monklands and Ayr hospitals will have on the (a) current and (b) future budget resources available to NHS Orkney.

Nicola Sturgeon: None.

Employment

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the number and percentage of jobs in the public sector have been in each of the last five years in (a) Dundee City, (b) Angus and (c) Aberdeenshire local authority areas.

John Swinney: The official source for data on public sector employment is the Quarterly Public Sector Employment (QPSE) series. However, the QPSE is not available below a national level.

  Data on public sector employment is available from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Annual Population Survey (APS) by local authority area. However, it is known that the LFS/APS overestimates the number of people employed in the public sector. This is due to the fact that sector of employment is determined by the individual and some people believe they work in the public sector when in fact they do not. Table 1 shows the number and proportion of people working in the public sector within Dundee City, Angus and Aberdeenshire for five years up to 2005 (the latest calendar year which reliable data are available at a local authority level) taken from the LFS/APS. Please note, as stated above, these are not directly comparable with the official public sector employment estimates from the QPSE series.

  Also please note the estimates are based on a sample survey, and as such, are subject to some sampling error. Taking account of sampling error there are no statistically significant differences in public sector employment levels between any of the years within Aberdeenshire, Angus or Dundee City.

  Table 1 Public Sector Employment in Selected Local Authorities, 2001-05

  

 
Level
Percentage of Total Employment


Aberdeenshire
Angus
Dundee
Aberdeenshire
Angus
Dundee


2001
26,000
14,000
20,000
21.3%
23.5%
31.4%


2002
22,000
11,000
19,000
19.3%
21.9%
30.7%


2003
22,000
13,000
17,000
18.9%
25.7%
27.4%


2004
26,000
14,000
19,000
21.8%
28.4%
31.8%


2005
27,000
14,000
20,000
22.8%
26.8%
31.8%



  Sources: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Quarters combined for 2001-02. In 2003 the Scottish figure is taken from the Annual Scottish LFS (ASLFS). In 2004 and 2005 the figures are taken from the APS. The APS and ASLFS include boosts to the main LFS. This means there is a discontinuity in the series.

  Notes:

  1. Data are based on head counts.

  2. Data are based on a sample survey and therefore are subject to a degree of error.

  3. Those who are known to work in the further and higher education have been removed to ensure that the data are as comparable as possible with the official public sector series.

Employment

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of people were long-term unemployed in each council ward in (a) Dundee City, (b) Angus and (c) Aberdeenshire on the most recent date for which figures are available.

John Swinney: The claimant count gives the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits and is produced by the Office for National Statistics.

  Tables 1 to 3 show the number of long-term unemployed people claiming unemployment related benefits in each council ward in Dundee City, Angus and Aberdeenshire respectively and also the long-term unemployed as a proportion of total unemployment in each ward. Long-term unemployed are defined as those claiming unemployment related benefits for over 12 months. The latest data available is for April 2007.

  Table 1 Claimant Count Unemployment for Wards in Dundee City, April 2007

  

Ward
Number of Long-Term Unemployed
Long-Term Unemployed as 
% of Total Unemployment


Ardler
15
15.0%


Balgay
15
24.2%


Balgillo
0
-


Balgowan
25
16.0%


Barnhill
5
18.5%


Baxter Park
15
14.0%


Bowbridge
35
20.5%


Brackens
15
12.5%


Broughty Ferry
5
10.0%


Camperdown
20
13.2%


Claverhouse
25
17.7%


Craigiebank
15
20.5%


Douglas
40
20.4%


East Port
30
18.6%


Fairmuir
20
17.5%


Hilltown
30
15.0%


Law
20
12.3%


Lochee East
20
17.1%


Lochee West
35
23.0%


Logie
15
14.2%


Longhaugh
45
20.9%


Ninewells
25
17.7%


Pitkerro
30
15.1%


Riverside
5
17.9%


Stobswell
35
19.1%


Strathmartine
5
6.4%


Tay Bridges
20
17.7%


West Ferry
0
-


Whitfield
25
18.0%


Dundee City
590
16.8%



  Source: Office for National Statistics.

  Notes:

  1. Long-term unemployed defined as those claiming for over 12 months.

  2. Data on number of long-term unemployed rounded to the nearest five.

  Table 2 Claimant Count Unemployment for Wards in Angus, April 2007

  

Ward
Number of Long-Term Unemployed
Long-Term Unemployed as % of Total Unemployment


Arbirlot and Hospitalfield
5
8.2%


Arbroath North
5
11.6%


Brechin North Esk
15
28.3%


Brechin South Esk
20
22.0%


Brechin West
5
17.2%


Brothock
15
12.6%


Carnoustie Central
0
-


Carnoustie East
0
-


Carnoustie West
15
28.8%


Cliffburn
10
12.5%


Forfar Central
5
12.2%


Forfar East
10
20.4%


Forfar South
5
11.4%


Forfar West
5
17.2%


Harbour
30
24.0%


Hayshead and Lunan
10
16.9%


Keptie
5
8.3%


Kirriemuir East
5
10.0%


Kirriemuir West
5
20.0%


Letham and Friockheim
5
21.7%


Monifieth Central
0
-


Monifieth West
5
15.6%


Montrose Central
25
23.4%


Montrose Ferryden
20
17.4%


Montrose Hillside
5
10.0%


Montrose West
15
20.8%


Sidlaw East and Ashludie
5
13.9%


Sidlaw West
5
17.2%


Westfield and Dean
5
12.8%


Angus 
275
17.4%



  Source: Office for National Statistics.

  Notes:

  1. Long-term unemployed defined as those claiming for over 12 months.

  2. Data on number of long-term unemployed rounded to the nearest five.

  Table 3 Claimant Count Unemployment for Wards in Aberdeenshire, April 2007

  

Ward
Number of Long-Term Unemployed
Long-Term Unemployed as % of Total Unemployment


Aberchirder
5
20.0%


Aboyne
5
45.5%


Alford
5
62.5%


Banchory East and Crathes
0
-


Banchory West
0
-


Banff
5
9.3%


Banff West and Boyndie
5
18.5%


Belhelvie
0
-


Blackhouse
0
-


Boddam-Inverugie
0
-


Buchan North
0
-


Buchan North East
0
-


Buchanhaven
5
13.5%


Central Buchan
0
-


Chapel and Gadie
0
-


Clerkhill
0
-


Cruden
0
-


Dales-Towerhill
0
-


Donside and Cromar
5
35.7%


Durn
5
19.2%


Echt
0
-


Ellon Town
0
-


Elrick
0
-


Fraserburgh East
0
-


Fraserburgh North
0
-


Fraserburgh South
0
-


Fraserburgh West
0
-


Fyvie-Methlick
5
33.3%


Gamrie-King Edward
0
-


Huntly East
5
19.2%


Huntly West
5
18.5%


Insch
5
31.3%


Inverbervie, Gourdon and Johnshaven
5
20.8%


Inverurie Central
5
33.3%


Inverurie North
0
-


Inverurie South and Port Elphinstone
5
35.7%


Kemnay
5
23.8%


Kinellar and Westhill North
0
-


Kintore and Keithhall
0
-


Logie Buchan
0
-


Lonmay and St Fergus
0
-


Lower Deeside
0
-


Macduff
0
-


Mearns Central
5
33.3%


Mearns North
5
41.7%


Mearns South
5
16.7%


Meldrum
5
50.0%


Mid Deeside
0
-


Mintlaw-Longside
0
-


Mintlaw-Old Deer
0
-


Newmachar and Fintray
0
-


Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore
0
-


Peterhead Central-Roanheads
15
13.3%


Portlethen North
0
-


Portlethen South
0
-


South Buchan
0
-


Stonehaven Central
0
-


Stonehaven North and Fetteresso
0
-


Stonehaven South
0
-


Strathbogie
5
29.4%


Tarves
0
-


Turriff East
0
-


Turriff West
0
-


Udny-Slains
5
45.5%


Upper Deeside
5
27.8%


Upper Ythan
0
-


Westhill Central
0
-


Ythan
0
-


Aberdeenshire 
150
11.6%



  Source: Office for National Statistics.

  Notes:

  1. Long-term unemployed defined as those claiming for over 12 months.

  2. Data on number of long-term unemployed rounded to the nearest five.

Employment

Margo MacDonald (Lothians) (Ind): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will assist local authorities, such as the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian and West Lothian councils, to implement the single status conditions of employment, as required by equal pay legislation, without low-paid male workers having to sustain any cut in salary.

John Swinney: Local authorities are independent corporate bodies and it is for local authorities themselves to implement equal pay legislation and the agreement they have entered into on single status.

Ferry Services

Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in identifying a possible operator for a re-established ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle.

Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic benefits for Argyll of the re-establishment of a ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle.

Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Assembly about re-establishing a ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle.

Stewart Stevenson: The Executive recognises the potential economic benefits which could flow from the re-establishment of the ferry service. We have not yet had the opportunity to discuss the way forward for the Campbeltown to Ballycastle service with the reconstituted Northern Ireland Assembly or with the Northern Ireland Executive. We plan to do so soon and will make our intentions clear as soon as practicable.

Finance

Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to implement the recommendation of the Howat report that a more businesslike relationship be established between the Executive and sportscotland.

Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to implement the recommendation of the Howat report that the supporting people and homelessness budgets be transferred from the Executive to Communities Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon: The budget review report will contribute to our strategic thinking around the spending review. It would be inappropriate to comment on the detail or pre-empt any commitment ahead of spending review 2007.

General Practitioners

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that sufficient GPs are in place, in light of the number who are nearing retirement.

Nicola Sturgeon: A survey to collect general practice workforce data was developed last year in collaboration with BMA Scotland and the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland. The survey identifies the number of people in general practices working full and part-time and estimates the expected number of retirals. This exercise provides evidence and information to support workforce planning at NHS board and at national level, which in turn informs the number of GP training posts required.

General Practitioners

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to increase the number of training places for GPs.

Nicola Sturgeon: The number of training places for GPs is determined by local and national workforce planning. In the NHS Scotland National Workforce Plan 2006 , it was indicated that the number of GP training posts from August 2007 would increase by 50.

Housing

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when Shetland Islands Council and Hjaltland Housing Association will be given approval to operate the agreed Tenants Incentive Scheme and what the reasons are for any delay in approval.

Stewart Maxwell: I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:

  Communities Scotland is assessing a proposal by Hjaltland Housing Association and Shetland Islands Council to operate a tenants incentive scheme. The Scottish Government is currently considering how best to support those who aspire to home ownership, but who are unable to become owner-occupiers with their own resources, and will look at the proposal for Shetland in that context.

Justice

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions for possession of an offensive weapon there were in the Grampian Police area in each of the last five years for which information is available.

Kenny MacAskill: The available information is given in the following table.

  Persons in Grampian Police Force Area with a Charge Proved in Court for Carrying Knives or Possessing an Offensive Weapon1, 2001-02 to 2005-06

  

Year
Having in a Public Place an Article with a Blade or Point
Possession of an Offensive Weapon
Total


2001-02
47
68
115


2002-03
49
54
103


2003-04
54
64
118


2004-05
59
86
145


2005-06
78
89
167



  Note: 1. Where main offence.

Justice

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged under 18 were convicted of possession of an offensive weapon in the Grampian Police area in each of the last five years for which information is available.

Kenny MacAskill: The available information is given in the following table.

  Persons Aged Under 18 in Grampian Police Force Area with a Charge Proved in Court for Carrying Knives or Possessing an Offensive Weapon1, 2001-02 to 2005-06

  

Year
Having in a Public Place an Article with a Blade or Point
Possession of an Offensive Weapon
Total


2001-02
7
9
16


2002-03
5
7
12


2003-04
11
6
17


2004-05
6
8
14


2005-06
11
5
16



  Note: 1. Where main offence.

NHS Hospitals

Ian McKee (Lothians) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the decision by NHS Lothian to close the Royal Victoria Hospital, Edinburgh.

Nicola Sturgeon: It is for each health board to plan and deliver services to meet the needs of its resident population and I understand that NHS Lothian have no plans to review their decision.

  It is not our intention to undertake a general review of service changes that have been made in the NHS.

NHS Hospitals

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the reopening and development of Jedburgh and Coldstream hospitals in the Scottish Borders, in light of its decision to support the retention of accident and emergency services at Ayr and Monklands hospitals.

Nicola Sturgeon: I have already confirmed that in honouring our commitment to maintain accident and emergency services at Ayr and Monklands, I am not signalling a general review of service changes that have been made in the NHS.

  It is for NHS Borders to plan and deliver services to meet the needs of its resident population. The board has retained the hospital site in Coldstream to provide a dental care facility for the people of Berwickshire and it will reinvest savings from the closure of the Jedburgh facility in development of a community heath centre in the town.

  I am keen that we maintain forward momentum and don't consider it would necessarily be helpful or indeed possible to reconsider the decisions taken by NHS Borders. However, I will continue to engage with local communities about the range of services provided locally.

NHS Hospitals

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the ministerial statement on the future of the accident and emergency unit at Ayr Hospital on 6 June 2007, whether it will give an assurance that other planned local health investments in Ayrshire and the south of Scotland will not be adversely affected and detail any service that may be directly affected.

Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement made by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing on the future of accident and emergency services at Ayr Hospital, whether it will confirm that the proposed community casualty unit at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine will go ahead as planned.

Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities are planned for the community casualty unit at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.

Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its decision to retain the accident and emergency unit at Ayr Hospital and the outstanding plan for a community casualty unit at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine, how it will fund and staff both units.

Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the fact that the proposed community casualty unit at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine is expected to take away 60% of casualty cases from Crosshouse Hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department in Kilmarnock and that Crosshouse Hospital will not now be required to pick up any additional cases due to the closure of the Ayr A&E unit, whether any consideration has been given as to the sustainability of A&E services at Crosshouse Hospital.

Nicola Sturgeon: As I outlined in my statement in the Chamber on 6 June 2007, I have instructed the board of NHS Ayrshire and Arran to review their original plans and to produce revised proposals that will enable accident and emergency services to continue at both sites in Ayrshire. I am clear that, as far as possible within the resources available to the board, I want them to retain their primary care and community development programmes.

  I recognise that there are many issues to address, for example relating to clinical workload and staffing. I want these challenges to be faced up to in a way that puts patients first and is innovative.

  It is now a matter for the board to determine how best to deliver these services and to produce proposals. Their proposals will then undergo a process of independent scrutiny, following which I expect to take a decision by the turn of the year.

Olympic Games

Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what additional investment is being made in Scotland to prepare our athletes for the London Olympics.

Stewart Maxwell: UK Sport has responsibility for the UK Performance Pathway and through this a total of £600 million has been made available over the six years from 2006-07 to 2012-13 to support athletes, including Scottish athletes, from having their talent confirmed all the way to the podium. This figure includes a total of £300 million additional funding made available by the UK Government in the March 2006 Budget to support the UK’s 2012 ambitions - £200 million of which is provided through exchequer funding, with a further £100 million to be raised by the UK Government through the private sector.

  Support for athletes is tiered according to their performance potential and ranges from financial support with living costs and competition and travel expenses to sports science and medical support, coaching, and equipment. Support is offered to UK athletes, including Scottish athletes and support comes from across the UK, again, including in Scotland, for example through the Scottish Institute of Sport.

  There are currently a total of 122 Scottish athletes funded through UK Sport’s World Class Performance Programme across 29 Olympic and Paralympic sports. Forty-three of those athletes are on the World Class Podium Programme, while 79 are on the World Class Development Programme. In total, approximately £6 million per annum is currently being invested directly in Scottish athletes by UK Sport. This figure does not include more generic funding from UK Sport to support UK National Governing Body performance activity.

  In addition, sportscotland invests £5 million per annum in the Scottish Institute Network (Scottish Institute and the six Area Institutes), which in turn provides support to Scottish athletes, including Olympic athletes. Sportscotland invest a further £5 million per annum in SGBs’ sporting pathways. This includes investment in coaching and programme support for athletes.

Planning

Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from Scottish Coal regarding the possibility of opening a deep coal mine at Canonbie in Dumfriesshire.

Stewart Stevenson: We have not received any representations from Scottish Coal on this issue.

  It would be for the company, in the first instance, to consider the feasibility of opening a deep mine. Any proposal brought forward would need to be considered against the relevant statutory provisions in Scottish planning legislation. These ensure that any likely significant effects on the environment are taken into account in the decision making process.

  Public consultation would, of course, be vital for a project such as this and advertisement in the local press and neighbour notification would be required. In addition, planning guidance encourages operators to work closely with local communities at the pre-application stage and the Executive would certainly encourage full community involvement for a project like this. We intend to introduce regulations under the Planning Act 2006 to put in place new statutory procedures for pre-application consultation for major developments.

  Decisions on planning applications are, in the first instance, a matter for planning authorities. The circumstances for notifying applications to the Scottish ministers is set out in Scottish Executive Development Department Circular 5/2007: Notification of Planning Applications, which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 42716). Paragraphs 24 to 27 explain some of the circumstances where ministers may call in applications for their own determination, although much will depend on the individual circumstances of specific cases. Applicants that are refused planning permission also have a right of appeal to the Scottish ministers.

Planning

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address a shortage of land for development.

Stewart Stevenson: Shortages of land for development are addressed by planning authorities through the development plan process. A new framework for development plans, which will help to deliver up-to-date, relevant development plans, was set out in the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006. The new provisions are expected to come into force in autumn 2008, following the preparation of related secondary legislation. In addition, where a development plan is not adequately addressing the need for land, for example where it is out of date, planning authorities have powers to grant planning permission contrary to the development plan, subject to appropriate consultation and scrutiny.

Prison Service

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether an in-house bid has been prepared for the new prison at Low Moss.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

  The previous administration agreed that a public sector led bid ought to be considered as part of the bidding process for the new prison at Bishopbriggs. Appropriate governance arrangements were put in place to allow the bid team (Bridging the Gap – BtG) to operate independently of the SPS board.

  In the event the arrangements proposed by the BtG team did not comply with the relevant legislation with the result that the in-house team was eliminated from the procurement process at the pre-qualification stage.

  Scottish ministers are currently considering options for the future development of this site.

Prison Service

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the in-house bid for the new prison at Low Moss has been ruled out.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

  Yes. The arrangements proposed by the Bridging the Gap (BtG) team did not comply with the relevant legislation. Accordingly, the BtG team was eliminated from the procurement process following the completion of the pre-qualification questionnaire.

  Scottish ministers are currently considering options for the future development of this site.

Prison Service

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that a competitive in-house bid for the new prison at Low Moss will go forward.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

  A Bridging the Gap (BtG) team was formed and resourced by SPS to ensure that a public sector led bid was prepared for the proposed new prison at Bishopbriggs. Appropriate governance arrangements were put in place to allow the team to operate independently of the SPS board. The arrangements proposed by the BtG team in response to the pre-qualification questionnaire did not comply with the relevant legislation. The BtG team was accordingly eliminated from the procurement process at the pre-qualification stage.

  Scottish ministers are currently considering options for the future development of this site.

Prison Service

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether a baseline in respect of terms and conditions for staffing has been set by the Scottish Prison Service in relation to the procurement process for the new prison at Low Moss.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

  No baseline has been set.

  Scottish ministers are currently considering options for the future development of this site.

Prison Service

Pauline McNeill (Glasgow Kelvin) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether a baseline in respect of pension entitlements has been set by the Scottish Prison Service in relation to the procurement process for the new prison at Low Moss.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

  No baseline has been set.

Regional Selective Assistance

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much regional selective assistance was given to companies based in (a) Dundee, (b) Angus and (c) Aberdeenshire in 2006-07 and how many jobs were (i) created or (ii) safeguarded.

Jim Mather: In the financial year 2006-07, businesses in the Dundee City Council Area accepted Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) offers totalling almost £5 million for projects that involved the planned creation of 459 jobs and the safeguarding of a further 20.

  There were no RSA offers accepted by businesses in the Angus and Aberdeenshire Council Areas.

Renewable Energy

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce local referenda for onshore wind farm developments and, if so, (a) what the terms of the referenda will be with regard to the minimum size of wind farm for which a referendum is called, the selection of the electorate entitled to participate in a given referendum and the arrangements for voting, (b) whether any consultation has been or will be carried out into the terms of such referenda and (c) what weight will be given to the outcomes of the referenda.

Jim Mather: Scottish Planning Policy 6 (SPP6) on Renewable Energy makes clear public participation in the planning process is important. Views of the public, where based on relevant planning matters, will be material considerations that should be taken into account when considering proposals. Local communities and their representatives are free to organise referenda to elicit such community views, and we encourage them to do so where they feel that the circumstances merit such an approach.

Renewable Energy

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support local communities that object to the building of new wind farm developments in the Scottish Borders.

Stewart Stevenson: Applications to develop wind farms will be considered on their merits, taking into account all material considerations, including those put forward by local communities. Where an application is made under planning legislation for a development with less than 50MW generating capacity, the decision will be in the first instance for the planning authority. It may then be notified or, if refused, appealed to the Scottish ministers. Applications for developments with generating capacity greater than 50MW are made directly to Scottish ministers, under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Given their role in these decision-making processes, ministers can not comment in advance on any application which may come before them for determination.

  Views of the public and local communities, where based on relevant planning matters, will be material considerations that should be taken into account when considering proposals.

Renewable Energy

Mr Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent it takes Highland Council’s strategy for renewable energy into consideration when granting planning permission for renewable energy projects in the Highlands.

Jim Mather: Under the Electricity Act 1989, the Scottish Executive only process consent applications to develop electricity generation stations over 50MW, with a number of exceptions where the limit is lower e.g. hydro 1MW. Highland Council are consulted on all such applications located in the Highlands. When responding, the council will take into account its own planning policies, including its strategy for renewable energy.

  Scottish ministers will then determine the application after carefully considering all material issues. If the council object to a proposal, a public local inquiry must be held before Scottish ministers can determine the application.

  Applications below these thresholds are made to the council as the relevant planning authority and it would be for them, or the reporter in the case of an appeal, to consider the weight to be attached to the energy strategy and all other considerations.

Road Accidents

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many accidents have been recorded on the A82 in each year since 1999.

Stewart Stevenson: The following table shows the number of injury accidents on the A82 trunk road in each year since 1999.

  

Year
No. of Accidents


1999
190


2000
180


2001
169


2002
151


2003
166


2004
155


2005
148


2006
138



  The figures quoted may differ slightly from those published elsewhere because they were extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns or corrections to earlier returns.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more information if required.

Road Accidents

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many fatalities arising from accidents on the A82 have been recorded in each year since 1999.

Stewart Stevenson: The following table shows the numbers of fatal accidents and fatal casualties on the A82 trunk road in each year since 1999.

  

Year
Fatal Accidents
Fatal Casualties


1999
8
10


2000
8
9


2001
5
6


2002
11
12


2003
7
7


2004
6
6


2005
7
9


2006
7
8



  The figures quoted may differ slightly from those published elsewhere because they were extracted on a different date and the database may have changed between the two dates, e.g. due to late returns or corrections to earlier returns.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more information if required.

Roads

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it intends to make to improve the A82.

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what commitment it has made to improve the A82 and what projects have been carried out.

Stewart Stevenson: The A82 Tarbet to Fort William Route Action Plan recommended a ten year improvement programme at a cost of £90 million. The outcome of this study will feed into the Strategic Transport Projects Review which will examine the needs of our national strategic transport corridors. This is due to report in summer 2008.

  In March of this year, the £5 million replacement of the Lairig Eilde Bridge in Glencoe was completed.

  Arising out of the A82 Study, Transport Scotland is planning a £16 million improvement package to be delivered over the next five years. This package includes improvements at Pulpit Rock between Tarbet and Ardlui, a Western Bypass at Crianlarich, additional road safety measures, new lay-bys and picnic sites.

Roads

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what its timetable is for the full dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness, including the preparation of feasibility reports, start dates for each section and completion dates.

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it plans to allocate for the full dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated economic benefits are for the local area of dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated economic benefits are for the local area of dualling the A9 between Inverness and Thurso.

Stewart Stevenson: We are committed to planning for the dualling of the A9. Options will emerge from the Strategic Transport Projects Review, which is due to report next summer. We will consider these options and take an informed decision on all the evidence including costs and benefits. More detailed planning would follow that decision-making process.

Roads

Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will revisit the A76 Route Action Plan in response to the number of fatal accidents on the stretch between Dumfries and Sanquhar in recent years.

Stewart Stevenson: A number of measures to address safety on the A76 are on-going including the provision of vehicle activated signs and safety barrier works.

  The A76 will also be considered within the strategic transport projects review (STPR) as part of the nationally strategic transport corridor connecting Ayrshire to the M74. This review will examine the longer term needs of Scotland’s nationally strategic transport network to develop the investment plan for 2012 to 2022. The review is due to report in summer 2008.

  Following a review of route action plan (RAP) schemes in 2002 the Glenairlie improvement scheme on the A76 is being taken forward. The remaining RAP schemes on the A76, as well as a range of other potential interventions, will be considered as part of the STPR.

  Transport Scotland has operational responsibility for this area and can be contacted for more information if required.

Roads

Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering dualling the A75 between Stranraer and Gretna.

Stewart Stevenson: The current investment programme to 2012 will see the delivery of £9.2 million investment in the A75. The Strategic Transport Projects Review will also examine the longer term needs of Scotland’s nationally strategic transport network to develop the investment plan for 2012 to 2022.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted if required.

Roads

Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any consideration to the construction of a new dual carriageway trunk road between Dumfries and Lockerbie in return for the detrunking of the A75 between Dumfries and Gretna.

Stewart Stevenson: The A75 forms an important part of the nationally strategic transport corridor linking Dumfries to the motorway network. This corridor will be considered as part of the Strategic Transport Projects Review which will examine the longer term needs of Scotland’s nationally strategic transport network and will develop the investment plan for 2012 to 2022. The Review will be concluded in the summer of 2008.

  The outcome of the review and the interventions proposed may result in a need to consider the extent and management arrangements of the trunk road network and its interconnection with the local road network.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted if required.

Roads

Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are planned for the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway; when these are expected to be undertaken, and at what estimated cost.

Stewart Stevenson: A contract worth £9.2 million (excluding VAT) has been awarded to Graham Construction to build what is known as the A75 Overtaking Opportunities scheme. The scheme consists of new overtaking opportunities at Barfil; at Newton Stewart, and at Planting End. Works started on 11 June 2007.

  In addition, the following improvements to the A75 are currently being prepared.

  

Scheme
Cost
£ Million*
Earliest Possible Start Date


Cairntop to Barlae
6.2
Summer 2008


Hardgrove to Kinmount
10.2
Early 2009


Dunragit Bypass
16.0
Spring 2009



  Note: *Figures exclude VAT.

  The Strategic Transport Projects Review will also examine the longer term needs of Scotland’s nationally strategic transport network to develop the investment plan for 2012 to 2022.

Transport

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations and research are being considered into informal mobility, such as car sharing, in respect of demand-responsive transport.

Stewart Stevenson: A number of voluntary car sharing schemes in rural areas are already being assisted under the Executive’s rural community transport initiative. It is anticipated that more demand responsive transport initiatives, including voluntary car schemes, will be supported in urban and rural areas under the enhanced demand responsive transport initiative, which is to be introduced in April 2008.

Transport

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what recent action has been taken to meet the aims of the EU Water Framework Directive.

Michael Russell: Our annual report describing the progress made during 2006 on implementing the EU Water Framework Directive, as transposed into Scots Law, was laid before the Scottish Parliament in March this year. A copy is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 42653).

Wildlife

Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the results of its consultation on snaring.

Michael Russell: Analysis of the responses to the consultation on snaring is currently underway and I expect to make an announcement to Parliament after summer recess.

  The non-confidential responses can be viewed on the Executive website at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent/Q/Page/4.